1960s Hairstyles for Men —[some] still on trend today

The 1960s were a time of cultural revolution, and with that came some of the most iconic hairstyles of all time. From the Beatles to the Mods, the ‘60s defined a generation of men with their bold and daring hairstyles.

Here are the top 10 hairstyles of the 1960s for men, several classic hairstyles emerged during this era that left an indelible mark on fashion and culture. Among them, the Pompadour, Crew Cut, Mop Top, Mod Cut, and Afro stand out as quintessential representations of the diverse trends and influences that defined the 1960s.

Each hairstyle reflected the spirit of the times, whether it was the rebelliousness of the mop-top or the sleek sophistication of the mod cut, contributing to an era of bold experimentation and self-expression in men’s grooming.

Top 10 Hairstyles for Men Originally from the 1960s:

1. The Ivy League – The New England school classic charm hairstyle is still popular today. The style features a side part and slicked-back hair. To make it more modern, men can update the look with any length of hair.

1960s haircuts still on trend — Ivy League Haircut vs. Men’s Crew Cut

2. The Shag – Popularized by the likes of David Bowie and Mick Jagger, the shag was a layered hairstyle that could be rocked with any length of hair.

3. The Bowl Cut – The bowl cut was a trend that was popular in the 1960s. It features hair that is cut in the same length around the head and then styled into a bowl shape.

4. The Beatles Cut – This was the signature look of the Beatles, with their long bangs and short sides. This style is still popular today and can be rocked with any length of hair.

5. The Ducktail – This was a classic style in the ‘60s, featuring a slicked back look with a “ducktail hairstyle” of hair in the back.

6. The Caesar Cut – This style was popularized by Julius Caesar and featured short hair around the sides and back of the head and longer hair on top.

1960s hairstyles for men vintage comparison

7. The Pompadour – This style features long hair on top that is combed up and back. The sides and back of the head are kept short.

8. The Mohawk – This punk style was popularized in the ‘60s, featuring shaved sides and a strip of hair down the middle.

9. The Afro – This style was popularized by African American celebrities in the 1960s and features a full head of curls.

comparison of 1960s hairstyles for men vintage — 1960s-inspired Hairstyles for Men

10. The Mullet – This style is still popular today, featuring short hair on the top and sides and longer hair in the back. No matter what your style is, there’s sure to be a 1960s men’s hairstyle that’s perfect for you. From the Ivy League to the Afro, these iconic hairstyles will always be in style.

The 1960s marked a pivotal era in men’s hairstyling, characterized by a fusion of rebellion and sophistication. One of the most iconic hairstyles of the 1960s decade was the Beatles-inspired mop top, popularized by the Fab Four themselves. This youthful and unkempt look symbolized the anti-establishment sentiment prevalent among the youth.

In addition to the mop top, the 1960s saw the rise of the classic crew cut, epitomizing a clean and military-inspired aesthetic. This style was favored by men seeking a more conservative appearance amidst the cultural upheaval of the era.

The Mods, a subculture synonymous with style and urban cool, introduced the sleek and sophisticated look characterized by sharply tailored suits and meticulously groomed hair. Their hairstyle of choice often involved a sharp side parting with neatly combed hair. Reflecting a sense of elegance and refinement.

Conversely, the counterculture movement brought forth the bohemian-inspired long hair, challenging conventional grooming norms and embracing a more natural, free-spirited aesthetic. This trend, popularized by iconic figures such as Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, embodied a rejection of societal norms and a celebration of individuality.

Furthermore, the 1960s witnessed the resurgence of the pompadour, a style characterized by voluminous hair swept upwards and away from the face. This flamboyant hairstyle exuded confidence and charisma, making it a favorite among those seeking to make a bold statement.

Overall, the hairstyles of the 1960s for men reflected the spirit of the times – from the clean-cut crew cut to the rebellious mop top, each style encapsulated the cultural and social dynamics of the era, leaving an indelible mark on the history of men’s hairstyling.

Many of these styles have made a comeback recently. One of the most popular hairstyles of the 1960s is the classic slick back haircut. This look is achieved by combing the hair back and away from the face and styling it with pomade or hair wax. This style can be dressed up or down and is perfect for any occasion.

1960s Hairstyles for men ducktail hairstyle — Ducktail Hairstyle – 1960s-inspired hairstyle for men

The “ducktail” is another popular men’s hairstyle of the 60s that is still fashionable today. This look is achieved by combing the hair towards the back and sides and styling it so that the hair is slightly longer in the middle. This style is often dressed up with a quiff or pompadour. The “ducktail hairstyle” is perfect for those who want to make a statement and look stylish.

The Cultural Significance of 1960s Men’s Hairstyles and Lifestyle

The 1960s were a transformative era in many aspects of society, and men’s hairstyles reflected the changing cultural landscape. The decade witnessed a departure from the conservative norms of the 1950s towards a more liberated and experimental approach to fashion and lifestyle. Men’s hairstyles became symbolic of rebellion, individuality, and cultural revolution.

At the forefront of 1960s men’s hairstyles was the emergence of the iconic “mod” look. Inspired by the British youth subculture, mod hairstyles were characterized by short, sleek cuts with sharp edges and defined lines. The Beatles, with their signature mop-top haircuts, epitomized the mod aesthetic and influenced countless men around the world to adopt similar styles. The clean-cut look of mod hairstyles represented a departure from the longer, more conservative styles of the previous decade, signaling a shift towards youth-centric fashion and attitudes.

However, the mod movement was just one aspect of the diverse range of hairstyles that emerged during the 1960s. Concurrently, the counterculture movement gave rise to longer, unkempt styles that rejected mainstream conventions. The “hippie” hairstyle, characterized by long hair and a free-spirited attitude, became synonymous with the anti-establishment sentiment of the era. Figures like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan popularized this bohemian look, which challenged traditional notions of masculinity and conformity.

barber shop vintage poster 1960s hairstyles for men

Exploring Beyond 60s Hairstyles

Beyond hairstyles, men’s fashion in the 1960s underwent a profound transformation. The decade saw a departure from the rigid dress codes of previous generations, as men embraced more casual and expressive clothing styles. The influence of youth culture, music, and art gave rise to bold patterns, vibrant colors, and unconventional fabrics. From the tailored suits of the mod movement to the psychedelic prints of the hippie counterculture, men’s fashion became a form of self-expression and cultural identity.

The changing landscape of men’s hairstyles and fashion was reflective of broader shifts in society, including evolving attitudes towards work and lifestyle. The 1960s witnessed the rise of the post-war baby boomer generation, whose aspirations and values differed significantly from those of their parents. As the economy boomed and technological advancements accelerated, many men sought careers outside of traditional industries, opting for creative pursuits in fields such as music, art, and entertainment.

The concept of work-life balance also began to take hold during this period, as individuals prioritized personal fulfillment and leisure over conventional notions of success and status. The rise of youth culture and the pursuit of leisure activities such as surfing, skateboarding, and music festivals became emblematic of the 1960s ethos. Men sought fulfillment not only through their careers but also through experiences that fostered creativity, community, and self-discovery.

photo editorial of guys with 1960s hairstyles

Social and Cultural Trailblazing

Moreover, the 1960s marked a significant turning point in terms of social and political activism. The civil rights movement, the anti-war protests, and the fight for gender equality sparked widespread social change and challenged entrenched power structures. Men, particularly young men, played a prominent role in these movements, advocating for justice, equality, and social progress.

The 1960s were a time of profound cultural, social, and political upheaval, reflected in the diverse array of men’s hairstyles and lifestyles. From the mod aesthetic to the hippie counterculture, men’s fashion and grooming became symbols of individuality, rebellion, and self-expression. The shifting attitudes towards work, leisure, and societal norms reshaped the fabric of society, leaving an indelible mark on subsequent generations. The legacy of the 1960s continues to resonate today, reminding us of the enduring power of cultural expression and social change.